While lightning and thunder forced the cancellation of East Dundee's first Wine Down Wednesday of the season, it did not stop a small group from gathering at The Depot to pay tribute to Old Glory.

The VFW Post 2298's annual Flag Day Salute included readings, prayers, singing of the "Star Spangled Banner," and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

As the rains picked up, attendees, including members of the VFW Post 2298 Color Guard, moved under the Depot's awning.

Diane Ahrens, president of the Dundee VFW 2298 Auxiliary, thanked those who came out despite the weather.

"I appreciate it," she said. "Traditions are important. Sometimes when we don't do things because of a little weather it gets easier and easier not to do it the next year."

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the first American flag in 1777, according to the National Flag Day Foundation. Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.

For East Dundee's event, Sleepy Hollow resident Steve Kranz, known as the Flag Man, posted several American flags, as well as those representing the armed forces and the Korean and Vietnam wars, around the Depot for Wednesday's event.

East Dundee Village President Lael Miller said it's important to remember the flag.

"Just like it's important to remember the veterans," he said.

He was happy to attend the ceremony despite the gray skies.

"You've got weather like this and people still come out," he said. "It's really cool. A little rain's not going to slow us down."